Toledo offense jumps Hens over .500 @ Louisville

GAME RECAP: The Mud Hens came into today's game, looking for their fifth straight win, as they began their road series, with the Louisville Bats. Toledo coming in with a 14-14 record, RHP Elvin Rodriguez took the mound, looking to lead the Mud Hens over .500, for the second time this season. The Mud Hens also had some help coming into today's event, with a couple of recent/current Detroit Tigers athletes. OF Victor Reyes began his rehab assignment, as OF Akil Baddoo was sent down to gain Triple-A reps.

Right out of the gate, the Louisville Bats loaded the bases in the first inning, with only one out. However, Rodriguez left them all stranded. Rodriguez would strike out a batter to get the second out, and then obtain a flyout to end the inning. The Bats would answer in the third however, as they drew first-blood off Rodriguez. The Louisville Bats would tally a solo shot to left center, leading 1-0 after three innings of work.

The game stayed quiet until the fifth inning, as the Toledo bats came alive. INF Josh Lester hit an RBI double to deep center field, scoring INF Kody Clemens. Lester's tenth double and 21st RBI of the season, tied the game at one apiece. The next batter, C Dustin Garneau hit his first Toledo home run this season to left, bringing him and Lester around to score. Toledo now led 3-1 after five innings. RHP Elvin Rodriguez would also leave the game, after five innings of work. Rodriguez allowed a total of four hits, an earned run (home run), four walks, while tallying three clutch strikeouts.

INF Josh Lester would continue to have a big night, as he hit a solo shot to left, extending the Mud Hens lead, 4-1. Lester now has six homers of the season, and 22 RBIs. However, the Toledo offense was not done there. In the final inning, The Mud Hens looked to be playing conservatively. But with two outs, the offense had other ideas. With the bases loaded and two away, INF/OF Jack Lopez hit a line drive to right, scoring INF Zack Short and INF Josh Lester. Jack Lopez now has a total of twelve RBIs this season. Toledo now led, with a score of 6-1. The next batter, INF John Valente hit his second double of the season, scoring C Dustin Garneau and INF/OF Jack Lopez. Valente's fifth and sixth RBI extended the lead, which led Toledo to an 8-1 victory in the series opener.

For the first time since opening day, the Mud Hens are now over .500 this season. RHP Elvin Rodriguez tallied his first win of the season (1-1), while RHP Derek Law obtained his third save of the season. The Toledo Mud Hens now have snagged five straight wins and will look to extend their winning streak, tomorrow.

Notable Batter: INF Josh Lester went 2-3, with two RBIs, a home run, a walk, while tallying three runs for the Mud Hens.

NEXT UP: The Toledo Mud Hens will continue their series in Louisville, looking to get their fifth straight win. Seeking to get two games over .500, first pitch will begin at 6:35pm ET. Detroit Tigers RHP Casey Mize will look to begin his rehab assignment at some point in the series, this week.